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POUND RIDGE, N.Y. – The Pound Ridge Library District’s
proposed 2013 budget
is asking taxpayers to pony up $1.40 per $1,000 of their assessed property values, up eight cents, or 6 percent, from $1.32 in 2012.

The $586,223 spending package has increased 5.4 percent from last year. Of that amount, $524,853 is to be raised by taxes, an increase of 5.9 percent from last year’s total of $495,800. The tax levy is collected annually in the same manner and time as other taxes in the town of Pound Ridge.

To supplement the $524,853 to be raised by taxes and get to the final budget of $586,223, the library garners income from book sales, a cottage rental, donations and grants, endowments and other miscellaneous revenue, such as fines.

“This is a bare-bones budget and we are only asking for small increase [in taxes],” said Library Director Marilyn Tinter. “It’s just eight cents more [per $1,000 of assessed property value]. So much has been accomplished in the past year, such as facility improvements and increased services. I think we are the best bargain in town.”

Tinter said service enhancements in 2012 included website improvements, new digital services, such as laptops, Kindles and iPads, more downloadable e-books and audio books, continued computer workshops, expanded programs for all ages, including teens and seniors and eight new art exhibits.

The library also underwent a series of building repairs and improvements in 2012, including entrance area enhancements, electrical wiring upgrades, new walkways and patio, exterior siding replacement and painting, new outside light fixtures, new roofing. and driveway repairs.

Pound Ridge residents will have an opportunity to vote on the budget from 2-8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the library. Voters also will have the chance to choose four library trustees from a slate of seven candidates.
The Pound Ridge Daily Voice
will present a profile of the candidates next week.

Tinter said if voters reject the proposed budget, last year’s budget will remain in place.